moving my mobile coop

[smoother]

My chickens completely free range. I built my coop so I could move it around the property for bug management. My chickens are having a problem getting lost back to the coop. I move it at night once a week after they have gone to roost, but they pretty much return to the place where it was before. I was wondering if I'm moving it to far between spots. Any ideas?

 

[Scott H]

Why don't you try moving a little each night or every other night?
Are you moving to a spot they can't see from the old spot?

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, smoother, and

! Great to have you with us! What are they doing when they aren't returning to the coop? Just wandering? Could indeed be that the distance is to great or the terrain too unfamiliar.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

So very glad you joined us!!

 

[smoother]

Thanks, I tried moving where they couldn't see the old spot, but within half hour of opening up they were back. What's weird is the hens will go back to the coop throughout the day and lay, but nobody seems to find there way back at night. Today they seem to have had better luck by only moving 100 feet or so.

 

[drumstick diva]

Chickens aren't too good in the memory/thinking department. No one ever accuses them of being rocket scientists. They can go out the door and later in the day can't find it to come in, etc. I agree that you should try moving it more frequently but for shorter distances - so hopefully they can find the coop again.

 

[mommatomatildas]

Glad to see this thread.. I need to move my coop.. I have 20.. "Not so bright baby's"... Love them but not so smart.. Was wondering how they would be if I moved their coop.. Guess a small amount at a time is best

 

[smoother]

I don't move mine more than 100' or so. They seem to be fine if they can see it once they return at night.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!